20:25 Apple removes VPN apps in Russia
Apple removed 25 VPN-apps from the Russian App Store following a request from the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. This was reported by Interfax. After Putin's decree on Ukraine in 2022, the demand for VPN services in Russia surged due to the authorities limiting access to certain western media. Some VPN services had already been blocked by the communications regulator, while others remained accessible.
20:00 Ukraine: Woman killed after Russian attack
According to Ukrainian reports, a 55-year-old woman was killed in Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk. Eight other people were injured, including four children, Governor Vadym Filashkin announced. Several houses were damaged in the city of Nowofedoriwka due to the attack.
19:32 Orban to reportedly travel to Moscow tomorrow
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow and meet with President Putin, according to a US foreign broadcaster, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó will accompany the prime minister. Hungary currently holds the EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday, Orban traveled to Ukraine to try to persuade President Zelensky to declare a ceasefire. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, made it clear that the EU would not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU Council Presidency has no mandate to represent the EU in negotiations with Russia," Michel wrote on Twitter. "The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine." Orban's name was not mentioned by Michel in his tweet.
18:55 Putin: We take Trump's statements on the Ukraine war seriously
Kremlin chief Putin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would quickly end the war in Ukraine if re-elected as US President. "Mr. Trump says as a presidential candidate that he is ready and willing to end the war in Ukraine," Putin said in Kazakhstan. "We take that quite seriously." Putin usually refers to the conflict in Ukraine as a "military special operation." Putin added that he "doesn't trust" which specific proposals Trump would make to resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That's the crucial question," Putin continued. "But I have no doubt that he will speak honestly and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: Thousand new soldiers recruited daily
Despite their heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces reportedly have no personnel shortage. This year, the Russian army has been strengthened by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, according to Dmitry Medvedev, the Vice Chairman of the National Security Council. The task of recruiting contract soldiers and volunteers has been fulfilled, Medvedev said at a meeting at the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about a thousand people," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. The contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba proposes two solutions to halt Russian advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba proposes two solutions to stop the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets need to be destroyed, on the other hand, sufficient supply of artillery shells to Ukrainian troops is required, Kuleba tells Lithuanian radio LRT. The trend of gradual seizure of Ukrainian territory by Russia can be reversed, but it is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he sees in the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." Russian aviation is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans lawmakers' foreign travel
Russian lawmakers and senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad without permission. If deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, take vacations abroad without approval, they risk losing their mandate. The State Duma passed such a law today. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia over lawmakers' trips abroad, which were often shared on social media with images of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden over Trump
Russian President Putin still prefers Biden over Trump for the US presidency, according to his own statement. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's preference, he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump is better, Putin replied: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he prefers Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV debate but only saw some fragments, Putin said. "I have enough to do."
16:51 NATO to significantly expand weapons production
NATO countries plan to commit to significantly expanding weapons production at their summit next week in Washington. The plan, according to a NATO representative, involves the submission of future national defense industry plans. In addition, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-winning ammunition. To this category belong, for example, missiles for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A concrete investment sum is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. According to the official, however, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of euros could be needed to achieve the new goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepted all Kiev-targeted ballistic missiles so far
According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles launched from Russia at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since early May 2023, not a single ballistic [missile] has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 ballistic missiles were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," so Yaremenko.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone strikes near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "It is deeply worrying that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35 Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for authorized western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said, "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have been approved and discussed," so Zelenskyy. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry stated that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time pointed to Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the occupied territories." Iron ore, coal, titanium, uranium, manganese, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia seeks to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi called on summit attendees to "resist interference from outside" at the summit's conclusion in Astana. Xi urged members to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries and the peace and development in the region into our own hands." It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history." The SCO includes ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are the host country Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for negotiations
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its ongoing conflict with Ukraine during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Security (SCO) leaders. Putin stated that Russia has consistently advocated for a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for over two years, has recently made proposals for ending the hostilities, Putin said in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia at the beginning of next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Executive Office, Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during their consultations on Monday and Tuesday. India has been attempting to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, the economically interconnected country has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, which helps mitigate the impact of Western sanctions on Moscow.
13:32 Russian forces attack Ukrainian National Guard post
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard post in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. RIA Novosti, the Russian news agency, reported this based on information from the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there were two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland during the large international Ukraine peace conference in mid-June. He works for the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre (HD Centre), a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities to clarify the charges against its employee.
12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reported on television that there had been 160 such attempts since Monday. In total, 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU's green border from Belarus this year.
Latvia borders Eastern Europe on a length of approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the bringing of migrants to the EU external border in an organized manner to put specific pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future," Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must counteract to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany, in particular, has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust with its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose that in the budget negotiations," warns the Minister, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian intelligence "couple" arrested in spying
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has arrested two suspected members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. The SBU reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying on military infrastructure for the Russian security service in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro. According to the SBU, the two were spotted "spying around" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. Together with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents reportedly handed over the photos to the Russian security service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense reportedly shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, according to the Air Force. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, these were Shahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi aim to show alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the attendees include the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, as well as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Iranian President-in-Chief Mohammed Mochber was expected to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritatively, has officially become a new SCO member since this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the military operation against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In a 24-hour period alone, the number of losses was 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine according to Ukraine. Western estimates provide lower loss figures - these are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian Army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiv Yar, according to their own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions were destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were endangered. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continues its combat actions there as well. Chassiv Yar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhia 391 times, according to the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this regard, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired two hundred artillery shells onto the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian Air Force base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram that is said to show the destruction. This video is spreading in social networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"Dozens of Russians are reportedly victims every day of what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank wants to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic companies in the face of Western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chairman Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, the new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance on the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in such transactions."
06:52 At least five civilians killed and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 more were injured in a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Wednesday. The force of the explosions shattered the windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the attack damaged the windows of two schools and three kindergartens. Debris also hit the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. A fire broke out in another hospital. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of a rocket attack on Dnipro on social media.
06:18 France sends 41 power generators to Ukraine
France is sending 41 power generators to Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The French Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. Russian attacks had severely damaged the local energy infrastructure. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May. In this process, the power grid is deliberately disconnected. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure the power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the pressure" on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. correspondingly, defensive lines were reinforced and more ammunition was being sent to this frontline sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops were trying to breach the Ukrainian defenses. Reconnaissance drones showed "massive cemeteries" of destroyed armored vehicles. Therefore, the Russian side was trying to dominate the combat situation with strong infantry forces.
04:47 Report: Zelenskyy considering dismissing his prime minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, according to the newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda". Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy was frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal is not providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports that Russian forces have put a district of the important Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar under their control. "We see no let-up in artillery attacks. The enemy is using artillery and multiple rocket launchers," says the spokesperson for the 24th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces defending the city, speaking to the state broadcaster Suspilne. The situation is "extremely difficult," there are fights for the canal. "The situation remains tense. But the 24th Brigade is holding its positions." The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that its forces had put a district of the city under their control. Chassiv Yar is approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. Both sides consider Chassiv Yar a strategic location.
02:45 Casualties from air raids: Zelenskyy appeals to allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for more air defense systems for the protection of his country. He refers to the latest Russian missile attack on the large city of Dnipro, which killed five people and injured over 50 others. Damaged were also residential buildings and a hospital. Currently, there are four Patriot air defense systems in operation in Ukraine, two of which were provided by Germany. Zelenskyy has recently estimated the additional needs of his country to be at least six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
For the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, there apparently are enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the establishment staff of the Lithuanian brigade. Of these, 115 were filled within a week. And we had 900 applications," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during my visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania, because many see a sense in it. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General calls for billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the budget dispute over the Bundeswehr. In order to meet the security policy challenges, the defense budget must continue to grow, Breuer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The parliament has given us a significant amount of money with the special fund and thus, if you want, the mandate to make the Bundeswehr combat-ready." Breuer stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who has demanded an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year. Pistorius had demanded an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year.
23:45 A court in Moscow sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, a Russian court sentenced three brothers to lengthy prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow for treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Due to sanctions: Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic corporations to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in response to Western sanctions. For international transactions, cryptocurrencies are now allowed, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The CEO of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in the US embassy, there is an undersecretary writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction of Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Turkey would not take on a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted as saying, "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Turkish government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imported more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, rationing strictly
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the amount imported in May and more than the total amount imported in 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. The largest electricity imports into Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each provided 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldavia 8%. Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure in the spring and brought the power grid to the brink of collapse. Since mid-May, electricity has been strictly rationed. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
- Following Putin's decree on Ukraine, there was a surge in demand for VPN services in Russia due to the authorities limiting access to certain western media.
- Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow to meet with President Putin, despite Orban traveling to Ukraine earlier to try to persuade President Zelensky to declare a ceasefire.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern about drone attacks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine and called for these attacks to stop.
- According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles launched from Russia at targets in Kiev since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine have been intercepted.
- Russian Vice Chairman of the National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that the Russian army has been strengthened by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers this year, and the average daily recruitment rate remains stable at about a thousand people.
